Throughout the Thanksgiving week I listened intently to all of the new releases I had compiled through the course of making episodes of The Idelic Hour in 2017. As I lent a thoughtful ear I could not avoid a “where’s the meat?” feeling. It’s been no surprise that in this town 2017 has been more about Spotify numbers than a soulful chorus or a memorable hook…but still?

Compared to all of the years I’ve been compiling year-end “best of” lists, 2017 is unparalleled. I dare to say it, but 2017 is the weakest year for music in my entire lifetime.

I know, and I’m fucking old!

Ok, please allow me to “reset” my train of thought. Making a best of list is about the joy of music. So let me train my ears on what new releases actually stayed on my turntable—or Spotify or whatever.

Like many of this year’s episodes, the top of the set (my 31-40 selections) convey a sense of melancholy. 2017 was a solid year for female singer-songwriters—interesting observations in light of the #metoo movement. Maybe 2018 will offer a hashtag movement for DJs looking for rocking new songs to play: #RIPdearOldGuitar? Food for Idelic thought.

Thanks to these 20 artists (40-21) for making 2017 a better year than it would have been without ’em. Back next week with my Top 20 for 2017.